REFLECTOR: Aircraft Condition Notice

Sat Mar 4 11:07:38 CST 2006

Hi Andy,

The Ivo is a bit different from any other prop out there.  To my
recollection, the IVO prop has a history and a reason.

One Velocity was lost, fatal, because the prop was not properly installed,
and the bolts were not torqued before the flight.

I don't believe the blades are locked together.  Each blade is held in place
with tension from two bolts.  With certain engines, mostly the Lycoming, the
power pulses can and did cause shear.  The blades would begin to move and,
if not checked, would eventually lead to a failure.  That's why Ivo is not
approved and won't sell props for Lycoming and Continental engines.  Ivo
will sell for automotive conversions.  I'm not sure what the stance on the
Franklin is.  It is a six cylinder and smoother than the four cylinder
Lycoming.

Ivo also has the owner place foil tape across the blade joints.  It is to be
checked before each flight.  If the tape has torn, then the blades are
moving.

It sounds like John is doing everything the manufacturer has prescribed to
run the engine/prop safely.  Check the tape and torque the bolts before each
flight.

I bet you're right and the examiner is not aware of the manufacturer's
recommendations.  I think it's good advice to speak with the examiner
personally.

FWIW,

Andy

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On
Behalf Of Andrew Ellzey
Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 10:45 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Aircraft Condition Notice

I think that the FAA is reaching to say that it is unsafe not to have a
spinner on a pusher aircraft. As far as safety wire on your prop bolts, they
have raised a valid issue. The question is have you ever found your prop
bolts loose? And if so, how many hours had you flown before they were found?
You could add the safety wire and have a schedule for checking your prop
bolts after so many hours. What did the FAA inspector that granted the
experimental certificate say about this issue? You should contact the
inspector that sited you and express your concerns, and your prop makers
original direction of checking the torque before every flight. There is a
reason our aircraft are called experimental. Is this requirement stated in
you aircraft flight manual? If so I would think the FAA would agree that you
are OK. If not, request to add it because of your concerns. You should get
his reply in writing. Keep records of all your communications with the FAA.
If he rules against your concerns, ask what regulation he is using for his
ruling. Let everyone know your findings.

My personal thoughts, I wouldn't like flying around (without) safety wire on
my prop. I would think that you should know how many hours you could fly
before a re-torque would be needed from your experience on any loose bolt
findings. If you have found that your prop was loose, was it from the fact
that there wasn't any safety wire, or the prop hub compressing? I wouldn't
like either one.

Andy Ellzey A&P

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne" <wowens at darientel.net>
To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 8:56 AM
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Aircraft Condition Notice

> It seems to me that the manufacturer  determines whether the aircraft
> requires a spinner.
> Does the 43-13 show anywhere where all aircraft require a spinner?
> Wayne
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Joe Ewen" <jewen at comporium.net>
> To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
> Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 9:26 AM
> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Aircraft Condition Notice
>
>
>> John,
>> Please let us know what you find out.  I also have an IVO (not flying
>> yet.) Do you have the electric adjustable? If so, may I ask what spinner
>> you are using.
>> Thanks,
>> Joe
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "John Dibble" <aminetech at bluefrog.com>
>> To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
>> Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 2:27 PM
>> Subject: REFLECTOR: Aircraft Condition Notice
>>
>>
>>> While parked in the friendly state of TX last weekend an inspector
>>> determined that
>>> conditions exist that are considered to be an imminent hazard to safety
>>> (hmm, is
>>> safety in danger somehow?) and sent me a notice.  Two items are 1- no
>>> prop spinner
>>> installed, and 2- no prop restraint bolts.  I have the IVO prop and as
>>> others have
>>> commented, I leave the spinner off because I check the bolt torque each
>>> time I fly.  I
>>> contacted IVO.  The technical response was that they don't want safety
>>> wire because
>>> they want me to check the torque often.  Also they feel the locknuts and
>>> safety tape
>>> between the blades will assure the bolts are tight.  Their legal
>>> response was do
>>> whatever the FAA tells me to do.
>>> On the back of the notice is says that there is no penalty if I don't
>>> respond, but
>>> that operation in an unairworthy condition violates FAA regulations.
>>> I will appreciate any comments on what to do.
>>> Thanks,
>>> John
>>>
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>>
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>
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